STD Fact Sheets

Information on 11 common sexually transmitted diseases

Oct 18, 2001

CHANCROID

WHAT IT IS: A bacterial infection that results in sores on the mouth, throat, lips, anus, tongue, vagina, or penis.

HOW IT'S CONTRACTED: You can get chancroid sores or spread them through skin-to-skin contact with open sores, from hands that have touched a sore, or from sex toys such as a vibrator or dildo that have touched a sore.

TESTING: Chancroid lesions can look like syphilis or genital herpes, so a doctor needs to analyze the discharge from the sores to get an accurate diagnosis.

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INCUBATION PERIOD: 12 hours to five days

SYMPTOMS: Painful open sores on the genitals, and, in some cases, swollen and tender lymph nodes in the groin area. Women may be less likely to get the sores; instead, their symptoms may include painful urination or defecation, painful intercourse, rectal bleeding, or vaginal discharge.

TREATMENT: Antibiotics are usually effective.

IF YOU AREN'T TREATED: The sores that remain from an untreated chancroid infection may put you at risk for other STDs, as well as other types of infections.

CHLAMYDIA

WHAT IT IS: A bacterial infection that occurs in the urethra, pelvis, or eyes.

HOW IT'S CONTRACTED: Through vaginal sex, intimate touching, genital-to-genital touching and -- sometimes -- touching vulnerable parts of the body with fingers that have come in contact with an infection (for example, chlamydia often occurs in the eyes). It can also be spread from mother to baby during pregnancy and delivery. Using a condom every time you have sex will significantly reduce your odds of contracting the disease.

TESTING: Options include a urine test and a swab test to collect fluid from the penis or vagina.

INCUBATION PERIOD: One to two weeks

SYMPTOMS: Chlamydia often has no symptoms at all. But signs of an infection can include burning during urination or vaginal or penile discharge. Women may also have pain in their lower belly, painful intercourse, or bleeding between periods. Men may have swelling or pain in the testicles.

TREATMENT: Antibiotics

IF YOU AREN'T TREATED: Women with chlamydia who don't seek treatment are at the greatest risk, because the disease may lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), a serious infection of the reproductive organs which can cause infertility and life-threatening complications such as ectopic pregnancy and difficulties during pregnancy and birth. Pregnant women who don't take antibiotics to treat the infection can pass it to their infant, which usually results in either conjunctivitis (an inflammation of the eyes that threatens eyesight), or pneumonia. These babies are also at risk for prematurity and low birth weight. For men, untreated chlamydia may cause inflammation of the testicles and sterility.

PUBIC LICE (CRABS)

WHAT IT IS: Tiny insects that live off human blood. Although they're often found around the genitals, they can live in any part of the body with hair.

HOW IT'S CONTRACTED: Through sexual transmission, skin-to-skin contact, or in clothing, bedding, or on a toilet seat harboring the insects.

TESTING: Pubic lice are very small, whitish-gray parasites that look like crabs. You'll be able to see the insects or their eggs (which are pearl-colored and oval-shaped) in your hair. You may notice that the skin under your hair is red and scaly, or there may be small blue spots -- signs of lice bites. If you're unsure whether or not you have lice, see your doctor.

INCUBATION PERIOD: As long as a week if it's the first time you've had pubic lice; as little as a day if this is a recurrence.

SYMPTOMS: Itching in the genital area or any other part of the body with hair.

TREATMENT: Over-the-counter lotions that contain the chemical permethrin such as Rid and Nix will get rid of the lice. (Talk to your doctor before using any product that contains the chemical lindane, which can be toxic, especially for unborn children.) After washing with the lotion, use a fine-toothed comb to comb out the crabs and their eggs (called nits). Your sexual partner(s) must be treated as well, and all clothing or bedding that may be infested must be washed in very hot water or dry-cleaned. In some cases, clothing, towels, or bedding may need to be washed a few times before they're completely lice-free.

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IF YOU AREN'T TREATED: If you don't seek treatment you're likely to pass pubic lice on to any sexual partners, or anyone else you're in close contact with.

Gonorrhea

WHAT IT IS: A bacterial infection

HOW IT'S CONTRACTED: Through oral, anal, or vaginal sexTESTING: Your doctor will analyze a sample of discharge taken from the penis (from the urethra) or vagina.INCUBATION PERIOD: One day to two weeksSYMPTOMS: About half of the women who have gonorrhea have no symptoms. Women's symptoms can include discharge from the vagina, frequent urination, pain or burning when urinating, and pain between periods. Men are most likely to experience pain during urination and discharge from the penis.TREATMENT : AntibioticsIF YOU AREN'T TREATED: In women, not being treated can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or an ectopic pregnancy, which can in turn result in infertility or life-threatening complications. Other problems can include arthritis, heart problems, and for babies born to mothers with gonorrhea, serious eye infections.

HepatitisWHAT IT IS: There are five types of hepatitis -- A through E -- all of which cause inflammation of the liver. Type D affects only those who also have hepatitis B, and hepatitis E is extremely rare in the United StatesHOW IT'S CONTRACTED : Type A hepatitis is contracted through anal-oral contact, by coming in contact with the feces of someone with hepatitis A, or by eating or drinking hepatitis A contaminated food or water.Type B hepatitis can be contracted from infected blood, seminal fluid, vaginal secretions, or contaminated drug needles, including tattoo or body-piercing equipment. It can also be spread from a mother to her newborn.Type C hepatitis is not easily spread through sex. You're more likely to get it through contact with infected blood, contaminated razors, needles, tattoo and body-piercing equipment, or manicure or pedicure tools that haven't been properly sanitized, and a mother can pass it to her baby during delivery.Type D hepatitis can be passed through contact with infected blood, contaminated needles, or by sexual contact with an HIV-infected person.Type E hepatitis is most likely to be transmitted in feces, through oral contact, or in water that's been contaminated.TESTING: All types of hepatitis are diagnosed with a blood test.

INCUBATION PERIOD: Two weeks to five months, although hepatitis C can remain dormant for 10 years before symptoms crop up.SYMPTOMS: When symptoms are present, they are much the same for all five types of hepatitis: mild flu-like symptoms, light stools, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes), fatigue, and fever. Hepatitis A symptoms may also include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.TREATMENT: Types A and E hepatitis usually resolve over time. If you're traveling to a country where hepatitis A is prevalent, two doses of a vaccine can prevent the disease. There's no vaccine for hepatitis E. For hepatitis B, anti viral medications may help some patients. But like type A, a vaccine that's given in three doses can prevent the disease in the first place. (In fact, hepatitis B is the only STD that's preventable with a vaccine, according to Planned Parenthood.) For hepatitis C and D, interferon and other drugs may help some patients, but there is no vaccine for either type.IF YOU AREN'T TREATED: Because types A and E usually go away over time, neither is likely to lead to chronic disease. Types B and C, however, can lead to cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and liver cancer if not treated; type D can also result in liver cancer.

HerpesWHAT IT IS: Two types of a viral infection characterized by periodic outbreaks of painful sores.HOW IT'S CONTRACTED: Both herpes simplex virus-1 and virus-2 may be transmitted through sex, or by kissing or touching any affected area. A condom can prevent herpes transmission during vaginal or anal sex, but oral contact with genitals or open sores anywhere can spread the disease. Washing hands can also minimize transmission.TESTING: Your doctor will examine the sores and test fluid from the blisters.INCUBATION PERIOD: Usually five to twenty daysSYMPTOMS: Herpes simplex virus-1 usually shows up as cold sores or blisters. For those who have herpes simplex virus-2, some have no symptoms, while others may show signs of an infection from five to twenty days after having sex with an infected partner. Early symptoms can include a burning sensation in the genitals, low back pain, pain when urinating, and flu-like symptoms. A short while later, small red bumps may appear around the genitals or on the mouth; later these bumps become painful blisters which then crust over, form a scab, and heal.TREATMENT: Symptoms can be relieved with medications such as acyclovir and valacyclovir. Stress, sunburn, and certain foods are the primary causes of a herpes outbreak.IF YOU AREN'T TREATED: While herpes is not life-threatening, and not all people who have it suffer from outbreaks, those who do experience outbreaks find that topical medication eases the pain and can help speed recovery when blisters appear.

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HIV/AIDSWHAT IT IS: HIV is the acronym for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, a virus that attacks the body's immune system, leading to full-blown AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). AIDS is devastating because it leaves the body susceptible to life-threatening infections and certain kinds of cancers.HOW IT'S CONTRACTED: Through oral, anal, or vaginal sex, and from an HIV-positive mother to her baby. To prevent it, use a condom every time you have sex; find out the sexual history of any new partners, including their HIV status; and don't share needles if you do intravenous drugs. If you're pregnant and are HIV-positive, talk to your doctor about how to prevent passing the virus along to your child.TESTING: A blood test can tell you if you have HIV. Anyone who is sexually active and unsure of the sexual history or HIV status of their partner(s) should be tested every year.INCUBATION PERIOD: Some people develop symptoms shortly after being infected, but for many it takes more than ten years for symptoms to appear.SYMPTOMS: Most symptoms of AIDS are not caused directly by HIV, but by an infection or other condition brought on by a weakened immune system. These include severe weight loss, fever, headache, night sweats, fatigue, severe diarrhea, shortness of breath, and difficulty swallowing. The symptoms tend to last for weeks or months at a time and do not go away without treatment. In some cases, infections result in death.TREATMENT: So far, there is no cure for AIDS, but some drug regimens that combine medications such as AZT (Retrovir) with ritonavir or norvir are proving effective at strengthening immunity and keeping infections at bay, thereby prolonging the lives of many AIDS sufferers. Combination drug therapy has benefited many people for years, but it is still unclear how long the drugs will remain effective, especially since effectiveness varies significantly from person to person. The drugs must also be taken in large quantities, usually on a daily basis, and there are many side effects. When drug treatment is stopped, new symptoms can arise, or old ones return. If you're pregnant and HIV-positive, taking AZT throughout the pregnancy and during delivery can reduce the chances that the virus will be transmitted to the baby.IF YOU AREN'T TREATED: HIV progresses more rapidly into full-blown AIDS without treatment, usually because of infections that develop as a result of the patient's weakened immune system.

HPV/Genital WartsWHAT IT IS: A group of more than 70 viruses, some of which can lead to cervical cancer. Several strains of HPV cause external genital warts.

HOW IT'S CONTRACTED: Through oral, anal, and vaginal sex and through skin-to-skin contact. To help prevent infection, use a condom. It's not clear exactly how effective condoms are at protecting against HPV and genital warts, but they will protect you against other STDs, including HIV.TESTING: Once a woman becomes sexually active, or by age 18, she should get an annual Pap smear to detect any abnormal changes in the cervix. Pap smears are the first line of defense against the HPV family of viruses, which is typically without symptoms. If your Pap test comes back abnormal, your doctor will likely order a second one to confirm the results. A cervical DNA swab test can also be performed to identify which specific HPV virus you have (only a few types of HPV have been linked to cervical cancer and these are usually not the ones that cause genital warts). If HPV is found, a colposcopy -- a test that examines the tissues of the vagina and cervix using a magnifying lens -- is usually ordered. For genital warts, the cervix and vaginal area are examined and a sample is scraped from the wart's surface for diagnosis. Men are examined and diagnosed the same way.INCUBATION PERIOD : One month to several yearsSYMPTOMS: Many types of HPV have no symptoms, though some cause visible genital warts that may be found in the vagina or urethra or on the cervix, vulva, penis, or anus. Rarely, they are found in the mouth or throat. Warts are often flesh-colored, soft to the touch, and may look like miniature cauliflower florets. They usually grow in more than one area and are often painless, although they may itch.TREATMENT: There is no cure for HPV, so treatment aims at controlling outbreaks of warts -- if you have a strain that causes visible warts. If a woman is diagnosed with certain strains of HPV, her doctor may suggest a biopsy of cervical tissue to check for signs of cancer. It is important to note that many women with HPV do not get cervical cancer, but HPV infection is an important risk factor for the disease. Further treatment varies widely depending on what your doctor learns from a colposcopy, DNA testing, and/or a biopsy of cervical tissue. To treat visible genital warts, there are several chemicals that can be directly applied. Some are prescribed for use at home, others may cause discomfort and must only be used under a doctor's supervision, and some may not be used during pregnancy. Genital warts also may be removed using cryotherapy (freezing), burned off with electrocauterization, or removed with surgery or lasers. In at least 30 percent of treated cases, the warts grow back again.IF YOU AREN'T TREATED: Since there are strains of HPV that are linked to cervical cancer, failing to seek treatment can be fatal. But since many types of HPV are basically harmless, they need only be monitored with yearly Pap smears (or more frequently -- every three to six months -- if a result comes back abnormal). If genital warts are allowed to grow without treatment, they can block the vagina, urethra, or anus, and become very uncomfortable. Depending on where they are on the body, genital warts can cause sores and bleeding. An increase in the size and number of the warts is also more likely during pregnancy and when a person's immune system is compromised by diabetes, an organ transplant, Hodgkin's disease, or HIV/AIDS, among other conditions.

ScabiesWHAT IT IS: A mite that burrows under the skin and lays eggs.

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HOW IT'S CONTRACTED: Through close contact or through sleeping in bedding or wearing clothes that are infested. Rarely, holding or shaking hands can transmit scabies.TESTING: A dermatologist will perform several different tests on the surface of the skin.INCUBATION PERIOD: As long as a week if it's the first time you've been infested; a day if it's a reocurrence.SYMPTOMS: Signs of a scabies infestation include intense itching, or small bumps or a rash on the penis, between the fingers, on buttocks, breasts, wrists, thighs, or around the navel.TREATMENT: Creams and lotions containing permethrin such as Rid and Nix must be applied to the whole body from the neck down. (As with pubic lice, products containing lindane may be harmful to the fetus if used by a pregnant woman; check with your doctor.) Change clothing and sleep on freshly laundered sheets after you've applied the lotion. Any bedding or clothing that may have been infested should be washed with very hot water or dry-cleaned.IF YOU AREN'T TREATED: Continued scratching can cause an infection, and left untreated, scabies can be transmitted to anyone you come in close contact with.

SyphilisWHAT IT IS: A bacterial infection caused by an organism called a spirochete.

HOW IT'S CONTRACTED: Through oral, anal, or vaginal sex, or via intimate touching or kissing. Mothers can pass it to their babies by touching syphilis sores (chancres) and then touching the baby.

TESTING: Diagnosis of syphilis is done through a blood test and/or examination of secretions from chancres.

INCUBATION PERIOD: One week to three monthsSYMPTOMS: During the first stage of a syphilis infection, painless sores or open ulcers may appear on the anus, vagina, penis, or inside the mouth, and occasionally on other parts of the body. During the second stage (roughly three weeks to three months after the first symptoms appear), an infected person may experience flu-like symptoms and possibly hair loss or a rash on the soles and palms -- and in some cases all over the body. There are also latent phases of syphilis infection during which symptoms are absent.TREATMENT: Antibiotics -- usually penicillin -- are prescribed.IF YOU AREN'T TREATED: Untreated syphilis can lead to serious damage to the brain and the nervous system; mental deterioration; a loss of balance, vision, and sensation; leg pain; and heart disease. A fetus is at particular risk if the mother doesn't seek treatment; the chances for stillbirth and serious birth defects, including blindness, are very high.

TrichomoniasisWHAT IT IS: A bacterial infection that results in sores on the mouth, throat, lips, anus, tongue, vagina, or penis.

HOW IT'S CONTRACTED: You can get chancroid sores or spread them through skin-to-skin contact with open sores, from hands that have touched a sore, or from sex toys such as a vibrator or dildo that have touched a sore.TESTING: Chancroid lesions can look like syphilis or genital herpes, so a doctor needs to analyze the discharge from the sores to get an accurate diagnosis.INCUBATION PERIOD: 12 hours to five daysSYMPTOMS: Painful open sores on the genitals, and, in some cases, swollen and tender lymph nodes in the groin area. Women may be less likely to get the sores; instead, their symptoms may include painful urination or defecation, painful intercourse, rectal bleeding, or vaginal discharge.TREATMENT: Antibiotics are usually effective.IF YOU AREN'T TREATED: The sores that remain from an untreated chancroid infection may put you at risk for other STDs, as well as other types of infections.